Most Affordable Online Associate Degrees in Alaska 2025

Affordable online associate degrees in Alaska help students further their education with programs offering low tuition rates, scholarships, and financial aid.

Finding an online associate program with flexible coursework that enables students to learn anytime and from any location is pretty exciting. However, earning an affordable associate degree online with budget-friendly tuition and financial assistance is just as amazing.

If you're interested in enrolling in a flexible, low-cost program in Alaska, you're in luck. Accredited online schools offer reputable programs statewide. Keep reading to learn where to locate a cheap online associate degree near you.

How Much Does an Associate Degree Cost in Alaska?

Alaska tuition rates are determined by institution type (private vs. public), where you live, program type, whether you learn on campus or online, and other variables. Public schools are often more affordable than private schools; however, both institution types might give online learners special low-cost tuition rates.

If you're having trouble finding a cheap online associate degree in Alaska, you've reached the right place. Below, we'll highlight affordable online colleges with associate programs in various disciplines.

Cheapest Online Associate Degree Programs

Online education is a common alternative to traditional on-campus learning for busy students. If you're ready to pursue a budget-friendly virtual associate degree, review the following online schools in Alaska.

1. Ilisagvik College

Individuals interested in learning about Indigenous culture can find an Associate of Arts (AA) in Indigenous education at Ilisagvik College in Barrow. This degree, which has full-time and part-time enrollment options and online and in-class coursework, prepares students to promote child learning, develop culturally responsive educational environments, and build meaningful curriculums.

Average in-state tuition: $205 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $205 per credit

Program length: Two years

Financial aid: Submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) helps students qualify for work-study jobs and grants. Scholarships are also available.

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

2. University of Alaska Fairbanks

Flexible online associate degrees at the University of Alaska Fairbanks prepare students to start new careers or earn transfer credits to qualify for a bachelor's degree program at a four-year institution. In addition to general AA and Associate of Science (AS) degrees, students at UAF can enroll in Associate of Applied Science (AAS) programs in accounting, information technology, paralegal studies, and beyond.

Average in-state tuition: $234 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $234 per credit

Program length: Two years

Financial aid: In addition to federal student aid, learners can lower costs at UAF with institutional and outside scholarships.

Accreditation: NWCCU

3. University of Alaska Anchorage

The University of Alaska Anchorage offers various online certificates and associate, bachelor's, and graduate degrees. These programs offer a mix of ''Set Time'' and ''No Set Time'' distance education formats. Students ready for career training can pursue AAS degrees in accounting, general business, construction management, and human services. UAA also offers AA programs for career or academic advancement.

Average in-state tuition: $241 per credit (resident)

Average out-of-state tuition: $362 per credit (Western Undergraduate Exchange or WUE and the Western Regional Graduate Program or WRGP) and $841 per credit (non-resident)

Program length: Two years

Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, and student loans help eligible enrollees reduce tuition and fees.

Accreditation: NWCCU

4. University of Alaska Southeast

The University of Alaska Southeast in Juneau has over half a dozen online associate degrees, including an AS program, AA in general studies, and AAS options in applied fisheries, business administration, health information management, and health sciences. Programs at UAS are delivered in asynchronous and synchronous formats and are transfer-friendly, enabling students to earn college credits if they have prior training.

Average in-state tuition: $265.50 per credit (resident)

Average out-of-state tuition: $398.25 per credit (WUE) and $868.50 per credit (non-resident)

Program length: Two years

Financial aid: Federal student aid (grants, work-study jobs, and student loans) and scholarships make learning at UAS more affordable.

Accreditation: NWCCU

Other Affordable Online Associate Degrees in the U.S.

If you want to explore additional associate programs, consider expanding your search beyond these reputable Alaska colleges. Review the schools in Missouri, Ohio, Texas, and other states below to see where else you can find an affordable associate degree online.

St. Louis Community College

St. Louis Community College has online associate degrees with flexible coursework that aligns with enrollees' schedules. Learners who want to gain a general education to qualify for admission to a bachelor's program can pursue STLCC's general transfer studies traditional two-year or accelerated 18-month program. Additional 100% online programs include an AA in business administration and an AAS in accounting.

Average in-state tuition: $122 per credit (in-district) and $125 per credit (out-of-district)

Average out-of-state tuition: $125 per credit (Midwest State Exchange/out-of-state)

Program length: 18 to 24 months

Financial aid: STLCC helps students save on tuition and fees with federal grants, work-study, and student loans.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Dallas College

Individuals ready to start new careers or transfer to bachelor's programs at four-year schools can choose from nearly two dozen 100% online associate programs at Dallas College. Texas direct AA programs explore: *business administration and management

  • political science
  • psychology
  • sociology
  • criminal justice

Other accredited associate programs are available in teaching, mortgage banking, marketing, real estate, and veterinary technology.

Average in-state tuition: $99 per credit (in Dallas County) and $169 per credit (out-of-county)

Average out-of-state tuition: $250 per credit (out-of-state/out-of-country)

Program length: Two years (or about four semesters)

Financial aid: Enrollees lower their tuition and fees with grants, scholarships, work-study, and student loans.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Gaston College

North Carolina is home to Gaston College, a two-year public institution with over 200 curriculum courses that students can complete at their chosen pace. The school has several 100% online associate degrees, including an AA, AS, Associate in General Education, and AA and AS degrees in teacher preparation. Online AAS programs explore business administration, IT, medical office administration, and fire protection technology.

Average in-state tuition: $76 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $268 per credit

Program length: Two years

Financial aid: At Gaston College, students make learning more affordable with federal grants and work-study roles.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

Ohio University

Ohio University enrollees can choose from over 60 graduate and undergraduate degree programs, including half a dozen online associate options. Arts and humanities, social science, and science programs provide foundational coursework for future bachelor's study. Individuals ready to start new careers can pursue online associate degrees in business management technology and equine studies.

Average in-state tuition: $319 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $324 per credit

Program length: Two years

Financial aid: Ohio University helps learners save on school costs with financial aid, scholarships, and veterans' administration educational benefits.

Accreditation: HLC

Southern New Hampshire University

Learners looking for career-based and transfer-friendly online associate programs will find multiple degree options at Southern New Hampshire University. SNHU enrollees preparing for business and technology roles or bachelor's programs can choose AS degrees in accounting, marketing, cybersecurity, data analytics, and information technology. Online AA programs are available in liberal arts and photography.

Average in-state tuition: $330 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $330 per credit

Program length: Two years

Financial aid: Eligible online learners can lower costs with federal grants and student loans.

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

Liberty University

Liberty University offers flexible online associate degrees for students who want to complete their studies at their own pace at home or on the go. Online AA degrees are available in fashion merchandising, biblical studies, early childhood education programs, and more. Other options include a medical office assistant AAS degree and physics and STEM mathematics AS programs.

Average in-state tuition: $390 per hour (full-time); $455 per hour (part-time)

Average out-of-state tuition: $390 per hour (full-time); $455 per hour (part-time)

Program length: Less than two years

Financial aid: Scholarships, tuition discounts, military benefits and tuition assistance, and federal financial aid make the learning experience at Liberty more affordable.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

Our team thoroughly vetted the colleges and universities in this rank list to ensure they met the following criteria for delivering a high-quality academic experience:

  • Accreditation: Each institution has received accreditation from a nationally recognized organization, such as the NWCCU or SACSCOC.
  • Affordability: These schools make learning more affordable with scholarships, grants, loans, and low tuition rates.
  • Program reputation and quality: We confirmed that the colleges and universities above provide reputable college degree programs for on-campus and online students.
  • Online format: Many institutions provide flexible programs with asynchronous online classes and self-paced study options.

FAQs About the Cheapest Associate Degrees in Alaska

Are you ready to pursue a cheap online associate degree in Alaska? Before taking the next step, explore the FAQs below for more information.

What Is the Easiest Associate Degree To Get Online in Alaska?

The easiest associate degrees to earn online allow learners to set their own terms and navigate coursework at their desired pace. Students log into online learning platforms when their schedules permit and complete classes when most convenient. This flexibility enables individuals to navigate courses as quickly or as slowly as they'd like and graduate when they feel confident they've mastered the material.

What Is the Cheapest Way To Get an Associate Degree?

If you're looking for an affordable way to earn your associate degree virtually, consider applying to the cheapest online colleges that accept FAFSA. These schools offer federal or state grants alongside low tuition rates and scholarships. If you live near the college campus, you could also save with help from a work-study job.

Are There Any Free Online Degrees in Alaska?

There are no schools in Alaska offering free online degree programs. However, you can take free online courses from the University of Alaska Fairbanks through the edX platform. AlaskaX courses are free, massive open online courses (MOOCs) accessible anytime from any location. Courses explore sport business management, behavioral neuroscience research, social work, grant proposal writing, and more.

How Much Does a 2-Year Degree Cost?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), tuition and fees for students attending two-year public institutions in 2022-23 were $3,598 in-state and $8,565 out-of-state. However, individual degree costs vary based on factors like the school of attendance and the speed at which you complete your degree.

For example, students who earn 6-month online associate degrees might pay less than individuals who complete their programs in two years, particularly if they earn transfer or prior learning credits that expedite degree completion and lower costs with fewer courses to take.

Find Online Associate Degrees

Take steps to earn a reputable degree in your program of choice by exploring the accredited programs on Learn.org. Contact schools today to learn how they can help you achieve your goals.